Midwives Matter Campaign

In February 2022 I delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street with The Royal College of Midwives Chief Executive Gill Walton and Student Midwives from the University of Suffolk. I created the petition in September 2021, to raise awareness of the chronic underfunding from the UK government into NHS maternity services. The petition gathered over 130,000 signatures and received support from the campaign ‘March with Midwives’.

With an estimated shortage of 2,000 full time midwives by the Royal College of Midwives, maternity services are suffering chronic staff shortages and unprecedented pressure caused by an increased workload. 

In a recent survey by The Royal College of Midwives 57% of members are considering leaving their role as a midwife or MSW and 84% of members are not happy with the staffing levels. Sadly 96% of those working in the NHS five years or less do not feel valued by the government. 

These are not new findings, with The U.K. Whelm Study in 2018 exposing the high levels of burnout and mental health illnesses suffered by midwives in the U.K. and with not enough investment or support from the government, the global pandemic has rapidly exacerbated these issues.

A recent government report in July 2021 by MPs called for urgent action to address staffing shortfalls in maternity services, along with an increase in budget for maternity services by a minimum of £200 - £350 million per year. 

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmhealth/19/1902.htm  

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people, our babies and all maternity staff we need urgent public support to increase pressure on the government to end this crisis with quick action, support and investment before the damage is irreversible. Please show your support by signing and sharing this petition and together we can provide better maternity services for everyone.

Best wishes

Cheryl Samuels

Registered Midwife, BSc (Hons), PGCert, Professional Midwifery Advocate